Nick Lucas was among the first PGA Members to undertake and successfully complete The PGA’s Top-Up Degree course. It allows those Members who came through the Association’s Foundation Degree course to top-up their qualification to a full degree.
The two-year online course is delivered by The PGA and the University of Birmingham and allows PGA Members to study part-time, so they can continue their day-to-day occupations.
Entry is by application and there are approximately 25 places available. Applications are assessed based upon previous performance of the Foundation Degree programme.
Lucas explains his reasons for choosing to top-up his degree and the positive impact it will have on his career.
What made you pursue The PGA’s ‘top-up degree’?
The main reason I applied was to widen my knowledge and hopefully open a few more doors for me in my career further down the line.
How did you apply and how did you find the application process?
I applied via the PGA directly which made the application process was very simple and fast throughout.
What did you make to the course?
I thought the course was very well run considering it was its first year. We received some great help throughout from the University of Birmingham and The PGA respectively. It was very well structured with clear timings for lectures and deadlines for assignments.
How did you manage distance learning?
Personally, I found distance learning quite difficult to begin with, even after undertaking the PGA Foundation Degree beforehand. Distance learning and time management for me have never been a strong point. Once I got into the swing of things started attending the online lectures, I found managing my own time a lot easier due to the guidelines set out by the university.
Having this degree on my CV from now on is not only going to help me progress up the ladder at my current place of work, but hopefully make me stand out from the crowd if I look to move on in my career.
- Nick Lucas - PGA Professional
Which parts of the course did you find most valuable?
For me the online lectures with face-to-face chats as a group were the most valuable part of the whole course. Learning from the tutors and using the time they gave up for me to learn and further my knowledge within the specific modules each week helped me massively throughout the course.
How did you find balancing part-time learning alongside your full-time job?
It was a struggle to begin with balancing shop hours, coaching and the degree, but the further I got into the course the better I began to manage my time. Also, Wensum Valley Golf & Country where I work were brilliant with allowing me time to study and making sure I could attend most online lectures throughout both years.
How will having this full degree benefit your current job and your future career prospects?
Having this degree on my CV from now on is not only going to help me progress up the ladder at my current place of work, but hopefully make me stand out from the crowd if I look to move on in my career. Another benefit of completing this degree is it has given me more confidence in my ability as a coach and within the management side of the club as well.
Why should other PGA Members be considering topping-up their foundation degree to a full degree?
Do it! That is the first thing I would say. The knowledge I have gained from topping up my degree in the mere two years it took to complete is without doubt something that is going to benefit me throughout my career. You gain such a wide range of knowledge from some highly acclaimed tutors.
